Follow these steps to fill out and submit the DD Form 2518 for review by your command.
What You Need Before Starting
Gather these items before you begin: your full name, the exact name of the mandatory acquisition course you are seeking equivalency for, documentation of your relevant experience or alternative training, and your supervisor's contact details for the recommendation block.
How to Complete Each Section
Section I covers your personal information. Enter your full name and the course name and requirement code as listed in the DoD acquisition training catalog. You may also enter your Social Security Number for identification purposes.
Section II is your experience narrative. Describe the work history, coursework, or on-the-job training that covers the content of the required course. Include dates, job titles, and the specific skills or knowledge you gained during that time.
Section III is completed by your supervisor. They review your narrative and check either "Concurrence" or "Nonconcurrence" before signing and dating the block. If the supervisor does not concur, they should note the reason in writing.
Section IV is the final approval block. A designated approving official marks the request as either approved or disapproved. If disapproved, they must provide a written explanation in the remarks area.
Common Reasons a Request Is Disapproved
A request may be disapproved if the experience described does not cover the full scope of the training requirement, if supporting documentation is missing or incomplete, or if the course selected does not permit fulfillment through alternative means. Review the official DoD training catalog before submitting to confirm the course is eligible for this process.
Related Military and DoD Forms
You may need to submit supporting records alongside this form. The following DoD forms are commonly used for personnel documentation and records management:
- DD Form 149 – Application for Correction of Military Records
- DD Form 93 – Record of Emergency Data for active duty service members
- Military Training Request Form – Standard DoD form for requesting course enrollment
